Tyler Alexander is lined up for his first start of the season as the Detroit Tigers (26-32) match up against the Philadelphia Phillies (28-32) at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday.
The Phillies took Monday’s series opener 8-3, their fourth straight head-to-head victory. Starter Aaron Nola went seven innings to get the win, allowing three runs (0 ER) on one hit and striking out 12.
Trea Turner went 4 for 5 with two home runs, three runs, and three RBIs in the win. Nick Maton was 1 for 2 with a home run and three RBIs for the Tigers.
ON THE MOUND
Alexander (1-0, 6.75 ERA) is in line to start for Detroit, his first of the season. The LHP threw a scoreless inning in relief in his last appearance, a 5-0 road defeat against the Rangers on May 29. He gave up one hit while striking out one.
RHP Taijuan Walker (4-3, 5.57 ERA) is on the mound for Philadelphia. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Tigers. In his last start on Thursday, Walker took the loss on the road against the Mets. He threw four innings and gave up three runs on two hits, striking out two and walking three in the 4-2 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Detroit has averaged only 1.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 3.6, while performing worse across the board (.169/.231/.250). Against right-handed pitchers like Walker this season, the Tigers have a .636 OPS, second lowest in MLB.
Zach McKinstry is the team’s biggest on-base threat against right-handers with a .373 OBP in 155 at-bats. Philadelphia is averaging 6.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.3 for the season, with a higher slash line (.303/.378/.526).
The Phils have a .722 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a .900 OPS over 69 at-bats, Nick Castellanos has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Detroit is on a four-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 12-19 in 2023. The Tigers have scored 3.3 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.7 runs.
Philadelphia has gone 15-10 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. In nine meetings at Citizens Bank Park, Detroit is 5-4 with an average scoreline of 5.3-5.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Tigers are third in the AL Central, four games behind the division-leading Twins. The Phillies are fourth in the NL East, seven games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Philadelphia Phillies (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
